Friday, April 20, 2012

R = Reading


Read, Read, Read.

Reading gives writers a basis of comparison. How we rate ourselves and other writers is based on our reading experience. A well-read writer will have:

· Familiarity with classics

· Familiarity with other writers in the their genre

· Familiarity with several other genres

Classics

Familiarity with classics gives society a base or standard from which to relate. Point of reference to greater works offers a bridge to multi-generational communication. Classic thought within new stories reinforces culture.

Genre

Familiarity within your genre gives directions, options or thoughts for future stories that blends with the knowledge base of the genre’s audience. Specific readership knows what is plausible within the forms, accepted as basic belief structure and what created expectations should come next sequentially. Writers cross their core readership at their own peril.

Other

Familiarity with several other genres adds to the writer’s depth of experience providing new ideas for the writer’s mind to assimilate into their writing. To become an expert takes time, experience and lots of reading.

Want to become a writer? Begin by reading.

What are you reading?


10 comments:

Francene Stanley said...

I read other writer's work on the Internet Writing Workshop, a chapter at a time. Then, I set to work critiquing them. It's amazing how much you learn this way. Hehe. Blog on!

http://francene-wordstitcher.blogspot.com

Tony Laplume said...

Sometimes it really is clear what an aspiring writer has spent their time reading. I try to read a wide range.

Tracy Moore said...

This is a great post Kate...so true. I love reading a wide variety of genres and topics just because I love reading so much. I've found though that when you read a variety and pay attention to the factors which make a book a good read that it does help with your own writing. Right now I'm reading 'V is for Vengeance' by Sue Grafton, one of Bill Clinton's books, as well as 'Awesome Your Life' by Carolyn Elliot. Usually have at least two books going at the same time! :)

fidel said...

Too true.

Jessica Marcarelli said...

It's very true. If you don't enjoy reading, how do you write to relate to readers?

Right now, I'm reading through all of my Kristen Heitzmann books. It's been years since I read them.

Jessica
A to Z Blogger & SF/Fantasy Writer @ Visions of Other Worlds

Cynthia said...

I just finished reading Looking for Alaska. I too like to read outside the genre that I write in just to know what else is out there.

Joanne said...

I can't imagine a life without reading. As a kid, I went to the library once a week and came home with a pile of books. As an adult if I'm packing for a trip, I pick out my reading material before my clothes. It's that important. Currently reading "Home" by Marilyn Robinson. Finished "The Woodcutter" by Reginal Hill. I also have short stories by Joyce Carol Oates in my queue.

Cat Lavoie said...

Great post! I like to venture outside my genre once and again and read something different. Right now I'm reading Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. Have a great weekend! :)

Rob and Lisa said...

Great post. I am currently reading Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Her writing style is inspiring me to try something new as a writer.

Lisa
http://livethemoment09.blogspot.com

Marianne (Mare) Baker Ball said...

Currently, a John Grisham book and about 5 backed-up issues of Time magazine. Not particularly classic, but it fits my schedule at the moment. :-)